13 Healthiest Large Dog Breeds
All large dog breeds are prone to certain health issues. However, some breeds are healthier than others. In this article, we will talk about the healthiest large dog breeds. We will also state their lifespans and list the recommended health tests.
1. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a confident guardian with a bulky physical appearance. Despite the robust looks, this dog is a gentle playmate and loving protector of its humans. It is a descendant of the Roman drover dogs, and for many years it was used as a police dog. Rotties were also used as search and rescue dogs after the 9/11 attack.
Average Lifespan: 9-10 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip & Elbow Evaluation
-
Cardiac Exam
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
-
JLPP DNA Test
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointed is a smart and friendly dog that loves pleasing its owner. The most distinct features are the long droopy ears and the stance the dog takes when it spots prey. As the name suggests, the breed was developed in Germany. Today, this quintessential field dog makes an outgoing companion and a great pet.
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip & Elbow Evaluation
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
-
Cardiac Exam
-
Cone Degeneration DNA Test
3. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is the national dog of France. It is best known for its noble demeanor and aristocratic appearance. However, the breed’s history was not always glamorous, as the Poodle was initially used for hunting ducks. Nowadays, because of their looks and brains, Poodles are extraordinary pets and frequent winners of dog shows and competitions.
Average Lifespan: 10-18 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip Evaluation
-
Patella Evaluation
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
-
PRA Optigen DNA Test
4. Belgian Malinois
Confident, hard-working, and smart, the Belgian Malinois is a versatile dog that forms an unbreakable bond with its human family. The proud demeanor and sleek appearance are the hallmarks of this breed. This once skilled livestock herder is now a popular companion and service dog. Belgian Malinois also make splendid guard dogs.
Average Lifespan: 14-16 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip & Elbow Evaluation
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
5. English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is an affectionate, sociable, and gentle dog with great stamina and determination. Originally bred to hunt red foxes, this scent-driven and tri-colored hound has a strong prey drive and loves chasing. Today, the English Foxhound is the rarest of all foxhound breeds.
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Recommended Health Tests:
- No Recommended Health Tests
6. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is known as the “Bobtail” - a popular nickname that is no longer applicable, as traditional tail docking is not allowed. The ancestry of the breed is unknown. What we do know is that its original purpose was guarding sheep. The hallmark of the breed is the white and crisp blue coat with a raggedy appearance.
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip Evaluation
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
-
EIC DNA Test
-
Thyroid Evaluation
7. German Shepherd
Labeled as the all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog with a noble appearance. The breed is valued for its confidence, courage, and loyalty and has been used as a military & police dog, sentinel dog, and therapy dog. Additionally, the German Shepherd is a great family pet and fierce protector.
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
Recommended Health Tests:
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
8. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman was developed in Germany to protect tax collectors during their high-risk tasks. However, the fearsome physical appearance of the dog is merely a facade. In truth, Dobermans are quite affectionate dogs. They are also smart and energetic. The breed has a rich history of serving as a police and military dog and now makes an excellent companion.
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip Evaluation
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
-
Cardiac Exam
-
Thyroid Evaluation
-
Von Willebrand’s Disease DNA Test
9. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco is an intelligent, friendly, and independent Italian Sheepdog. It is a hard-working, unusually healthy, low-maintenance breed with an enormous love for children. The hallmark of the Bergamasco breed is its hairstyle. Namely, the coat consists of hairs with three different textures that form so-called flocks or loose mats.
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip Evaluation
-
Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test
10. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a compact and hard-working dog with a thick coat, erect triangular ears, and piercing eye expression. However, behind the tough looks, there is a playful and mischievous dog. The breed is best known for pulling sleds packed with antitoxins during the diphtheria epidemic in 1925. Today, Huskies are loving companions and notorious shedding machines.
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip Evaluation
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
11. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a hard-working, Spitz-type Arctic dog with a personality described as playful, loyal, and affectionate. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and is believed to be a direct descendant of the early domesticated wolf dogs. Through the years, it accompanied hunters and worked as a sled dog. Now, it is an excellent companion.
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Hip Evaluation
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
-
Polyneuropathy DNA Test
12. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a loyal, deeply affectionate, and independent dog with a tall and elegant appearance. Also known as the West African sighthound, this dog comes from the countries of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The dog’s original purpose was chasing gazelles in the Sahara’s sands. Nowadays, it enjoys being a lovely companion and guardian dog.
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Recommended Health Tests:
- No Recommended Health Tests
13. Greyhound
Sweet-tempered, independent, and regal-looking, the Greyhound is the ultimate racer of the canine world. This sleek and long-legged dog can achieve an amazing speed of 72 km per hour. The Greyhound’s long history began more than 8000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Then the breed was perfected in England, and today, it is a famous companion dog.
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Recommended Health Tests:
-
Cardiac Exam
-
Greyhound Polyneuropathy NDRG1 DNA Test
-
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Conclusion
All of the above-listed large dog breeds are generally healthy. However, to ensure optimum health, you must provide them with high-quality food and exercise. Also, be responsible when it comes to regular veterinary checkups and exams. Buying from responsible breeders is another crucial factor for raising a healthy large-breed dog.
